Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is preparing to ship pallets of humanitarian supplies to Jamaica following a weeks-long Hurricane Relief Drive launched in response to the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in October.
The district, working alongside community partners, collected donations from October 31 through December 12, mobilizing students, families, educators and local organizations in a coordinated effort to support Jamaica’s recovery. As final donations are consolidated, BCPS officials say shipments of much-needed relief items will soon be delivered to the island.
District leaders, school administrators and community partners are scheduled to provide an update on the effort during a media event on Wednesday, December 17, at 9:30 a.m., at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center in Fort Lauderdale.
The relief drive was organized under BCPS’ “One Broward” initiative, with key partners including BrightStar Credit Union, the Broward County Association of Student Councils, the Broward County Council of PTAs/PTSAs, the Broward Education Foundation, the Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association, the Broward Teachers Union, and Food For The Poor.
District officials said the effort reflects the strength of community partnerships and a shared commitment to humanitarian response during times of crisis.
In November, Dr. Jeff Holness, vice chair of the Broward County School Board and the District 5 representative, joined South Florida leaders at a press conference highlighting regional relief efforts following the hurricane. Holness, who is Jamaican-born and grew up in St. Elizabeth, underscored the district’s role in supporting the island.
“Broward County Schools have also joined relief efforts to make sure that we’re providing the necessary support to Jamaica, Haiti, parts of the Bahamas, and regions that have been affected,” Holness said at the time. “We’ve partnered with BrightStar Credit Union, the Broward County Association of Student Councils, the Broward Council of PTAs, the Broward Education Foundation, the Broward Principals and Assistant Principals Association, and the Broward Teachers Union to support Jamaica.”
BCPS officials noted that the district’s participation goes beyond material aid, emphasizing values of service, compassion and global citizenship among students and staff. The initiative also highlights the strong ties between South Florida’s Caribbean diaspora and the region.
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across Jamaica in October, severely impacting homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. As recovery efforts continue, BCPS leaders say every contribution—large or small—helps support affected communities.
